Acura MDX (pre-2007)

fndlyfmrflyr

You didn't really expect good mpg from a 4500 pound vehicle did you? The MDX isn't bad once rolling along and kept at constant speed, but getting 4500 pounds plus driver, passengers, and cargo to accelerate from from a stop (local and city driving) takes a lot of fuel.

My experience has been it is difficult to get the "city" mpg of the EPA numbers, but commonly get close to the highway EPA number (depending on speed). There are three other MDXs in my family (all out of area) and poor local mpg has been the only negative comment about their MDXs I've heard.

Considering my local mpg has been down in the 12s a few times your 14 looks good to me. Take it on a trip and you'll probably get in the low 20s. Remember, the mpg readout from the trip computer is probably not accurate and if it is like mine, says you are getting more mpg than your actually are.

hopeitsfriday

Thanks a lot for the insight on the gas mileage issue. I am planning a long road trip next month, I will let you guys know how it turns out mileage wise.

sbcooke

I got 14-15 around town for the first few thousand miles. I only take very short trips, under 5 miles, so I just figured it was that I like to give it gas and I don't go very far. At 7K on the odometer, I am getting more like 17 on the computer. It may take a while for true mileage to show up while the engine breaks in?

hopeitsfriday

Actually, most of my trip are under 5 miles. On weekends, I take it for longer trips. Please remind me, do you own a 02 or 03 MDX? I am wondering if this longer engine gas mileage break in period is exclusive to the 03 only. Since most of 02 owners dont seem to have this problem.

Thanks

sbcooke

'02 model. I really only go by the trip computer for mileage. It is close enough for me.

hopeitsfriday

Thanks sbcooke, there goes my 03 MDX only theory.

rerenov8r

There is NO WAY that the octane will effect "how long it takes the vehicle to reach higher RPM".

The reduction in POWER results from the IGNITION being recalculated by the computer. The simple way to explain is that the SPARK happens a split second different than if the octane were higher, so that the cylinder is not quite as pressurized and there is less chance of knock... The fancy way of saying this is "Timing Retard", a term that no doubt flumoxed the dealer...

hopeitsfriday

I do believe an engine that is tune to use a higher octane, ie: a different ignition timing computer program among other things, can get an engine up to peak rpm faster hence, more horse power. A higher octane fuel means a bigger combustion in the chamber, therefore, more force pushing on the cylinders. More force pushing on the cylinders translates into more rotational force which turns into higher RPM. Thats one of the reasons that in drag racing, there are different class of vehicles using different grade of fuels.

sbcooke

I don't think there is a "bigger" combustion, but rather it takes less pressure to reach ideal combustion, thus the spark happens slightly earlier. When the spark is off, the timing isn't right causing cylinders to mis-fire. The computer controlled valve timing allows for the use of regular gas, by delaying the spark until the cylinder has compressed the fuel/air mixture enough for ideal combustion.

This is where I am not sure...I don't think it is the size of the combustion, but the speed at which they happen (less upstroke on the piston), thus more combustion per second, etc, and slightly more power. Less octane and a longer stroke and more time between each combustion?

There is a good web-fact article about this I will try to find and post. I used to like setting the timing with a strobe and chalk on the flywheel...oh well, gone are the days when we can do much to our own cars.

hopeitsfriday

Higher octane gasoline has a higher anti-knocking rating. I was wrong earlier too about how a engine utilize the higher octane gas. An engine that is tune for higher octane actually has a higher compression ratio. More air is being compress into the chamber, therefore a bigger combustion.

Following is a link about the basics of octane

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question90.htm

sbcooke

Thanks. I forget some of the stuff I learned in autoshop in high school.

So I guess it is a "bigger" combustion because the mixture is under higher pressure, and the lower octane fires too early due to pressure causing it to ignite, and probably less intense of an explosion, thus less power?

greyskr

Interesting discussion in several recent posts regarding octane. Some comments. Compression ratio is fixed by engine geometry and is not adjustable on normal engines. Hence theories about tuning for higher compression are not valid.

If I remember correctly, engine "ping" is not caused by compression pre-ignition. I believe it is caused by a second ignition following the spark plug ignition. The flame front/pressure wave expanding in the combustion chamber causes a second ignition due to very high pressure. (How Stuff Works has the cause of "ping" wrong.)

Lastly, tuning to eliminate "ping" is usually just to retard the ignition timing. Although on the latest engine computers, other parameters may also be manipulated. Retarded timing results in less horsepower in a given engine. This timing has to do with when the spark plug fires in relation to where the piston is in it's travel. If the spark plug fires at exactly "top dead center", the engine will develop less power than if it fires a little before "top dead center". This is because the combustion of the fuel and the maximum pressure will occur at some tiny time after "top dead center" when the piston is on the way down.
And if it fires a little before "top dead center", the maximum pressure will be achieved just as the piston starts down.

Well, this has gotten too long, so I will quit.

Regards, greyskr

spfotey

i see that with the GX you can view the movies on the navi screen if you are in park and have the brake on -- any process that makes it work in the ACURA???

montreid

I believe that the GX system is a Pioneer based Nav/DVD system will allows movie DVDs to be played on it. The MDX Nav/DVD system is Alpine based, which doesn't support DVD movies at this time.

On the MDX board a some time ago, there was a post on how to modify it in order to support DVD movies.

BTW, the bake/safety lock can be circumvented by grounding the lockout mechanism to the player vs attaching it to the braking mechanism....not that I would support such a safety risk!

sbcooke

I went with a portable unit...panasonic dvd-lv70. We love it. We just fold the activity tray back and put a velcro strap on it. It is too low for 3rd row passengers, but we currently don't plan on using the 3rd row for long trips.

I see two other benefits of portable. 1st is obvious, it can go on planes, hooks up to TV's in Hotel rooms, and at home. 2nd is that it isn't in the car that often, so our kids can't point and scream everytime we go someplace, rather it is a treat on long trips rather than being available all the time.

mdx_kid

I was thinking of getting the same system or the LA95 with 9" screen. But do you use the speakers on the portable system or route the audio to bose system in MDX. If not is the sound from the dvd player sufficient?

Thanks for your time.

sbcooke

The speakers were great on the lv70. I did hook it up to the stereo once with an old tape adapter, but Thomas the tank engine doesn't require that much.

montreid

If you want to go high tech for the demanding kids in back, get a Radio Shack FM modulator (or one via eBay) for audio out jacks to an unused channel. Mount the modulator under the front seats or center console. That's what we do with our portable Audiovox DVD player. 8.5" and portable will beat those dinky 5.5-6.5" mounted anytime...

crikey

Target is clearing out the RCA Portable DVD Player #DRC600N (7"). Now, store prices show $414.79 BUT if you get someone to scan it, the price comes out to $243.98. This is an excellent deal on a 7" portable DVD. YMMV.

You should've seen the look on the storeguy's face when he scanned it. He was going to override it but I told him not to do that. And he rung it up for $243.98.

I bought one last night and have already used it extensively. Now, I gotta find something to use to mount it in the vehicle.

sbcooke

I have just about 7000 miles on my MDX now and it is has just started to feel broken in. There have been a few posts/concerns about acceleration and mileage.

I mashed the pedal last night and floored it until I hit 60. It is very fast. I also find that over 60 on the highway it flies right along with no power problems. Overall I think it is very fast and I have no acceleration issues.

Mileage I am getting a solid 17 around town, and that is even with me accelerating quickly a lot for fun.

All in all it is starting to get broken in very nicely and only seems better to drive. The 7500 mile service seems to have resolve the minor clunk issue (which I thought was suspension related, but really don't know).

hopeitsfriday

Sounds like I have another 6000 more miles to go before my MDX is broken in, definitely something to look forward to. Acceleration in the city and on the highway now is pretty good. I am hoping you are right about the gas mileage. The average distance I travel is about 4 to 5 miles per trip. I did a actual mileage calculation, and I got 13.5 MPG for one tank and 14.5 MPG for another.
Its good to hear that the suspension tighten got rid of the noise problem, I will definitely get that done on my 7500 miles maintenance. Once again, thanks for the info.
By the way, right next to the foot rest on the driver side floor. There is a piece of plastic panel with a hole in it. Looks like some sort of sensing device, does anyone know what that is?

sbcooke

I wouldn't say I had a noise problem, just something I noticed here and there.

I will look at the panel tonight, is it maybe where they hook the computer up?

sbcooke

That is a weird plug, 3 round prong plug? Maybe data, but I doubt it?

sbcooke

I sat in a MDX at the Philly Autoshow the other day. It is the same as mine, very nice... :-)

mrisaac

sbcooke,

I was too at the Philly Auto Show last weekend. I spent about an hour reviewing and talking to the sales rep about the MDX.

hoover94

There are some very distinct tax advantages to driving a SUV, Van or Truck with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weighted Rate" of 6000lbs or more. Acura does not publish this information on the MDX. Would an owner of a 2003 MDX Touring be so kind to look inside their driver door and let me know what you find? Thanks in advance.

montreid

hoover, I think this is the subject that you're talking about. 6000#+ business vehicles can accelerate the tax write off over 5 years. Unfortunately, you've got to go bigger (heavier) than the MDX.

The Detroit News had a good article on it last year:

http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0212/20/c01-38875.htm

Vehicles eligible for tax breaks
--------------------------------

Thirty-eight models that qualify for an extra $24,000 accelerated-depreciation tax break:
BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Astro, Chevy Avalanche, Chevy Express, Chevy Silverado, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram Van, Dodge Ram Maxi Van, Dodge Ram Wagon, Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Ram 3500, Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, Ford Econoline E-150, Ford Econoline E-250, Ford Econoline E-350, Ford F-150, Ford F-250, Ford F-350, GMC Yukon, GMC Safari, GMC Savana, GMC Sierra, GMC Sierra Denali, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Blackwood, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes ML 320, Mercedes ML 500, Mercedes ML55 AMG, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tundra

Hope this helps,

moonkat

Appears to be 5690 lbs:

http://www.new-cars.com/2002/acura/acura-mdx-specifications.html

Penalized for efficiency......

hoover94

Thanks for the information montreid and moonkat. Bush is proposing an increase in the first year deduction. Currently small business owners can deduct as much as $25,000 + 30% of the remaining amount (9/11 stimulus) and then 20% of the remaining amount. His proposal would change the $25K figure to $75K. Here's a link to his proposal:

http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/3603666.html

Hoover

jhk_db

I am in the northern NJ/NYC metro area and was wondering if any of you knew whether there was still a long wait list for the MDX. (I would be looking to get one in May and was wondering if I needed to place an order soon.) Also, if any of you had recommendations as to a dealer and/or thoughts on what I might expect in the way of lease prices (36 or 39 mos.; 12K miles a year), I would appreciate it. Thanks.

suvf

I just got my 2003 mdx touring several weeks ago. I noticed the constant low frequency noise when I drove at speed 70-75 miles/hour at freeway, the noise disappeared below or above the speed range 70-75 m/h.

The noise is not too loud but annoyed. The 70-75 speed range is the common speed on the freeway where I live. I took the car to acura service. They don't want to look at it because the noise at the speed range is over state speed limit of 65 m/h. How can I get this issue resolved? Any help is appreciated.

fndlyfmrflyr

Please let us know if you get your noise resolved. My '02 also has a resonating hum - not loud, but it is there at 2100 to 2300 rpm in 5th gear. This is 75 to 85 mph, the stay with traffic speeds around here. No resonating noise if I put the tranny in fourth or if engine speed is 2100 to 2300 rpm in any other gear.

Dealer heard noise and then tested two others and said he heard the same noise in them. Acura (the manufacturer) actually called me three times and had me do different things and report back to them. Nothing helped and the dealer (two techs and the service manager) could find no cause for the resonance.

Your '03 has a different exhaust system and different transmission than my '02, but the way you describe what you hear the noise seems similar to mine, just at a slightly lower rpm than mine.

piaa2001

Believe it or not in the NYC area there is still a 3-4 month wait on the vehicle. I am placing my '03 Midnight Blue Pearl touring w/ nav tomorrow! Delivery will be some time in mid-May for me at a Westchester dealership. Pricing is very competitive w/ lease rates for 42 months. Dealership deals w/ Chase Manhattan which has lower money factor(interest rate) than American Honda Finance Corp. Lease will be around $520 a month w 2K down!

Piaa 2001

suvf

I took the car to the dealer which I bought the car. I had a technician sit with me to confirm the noise. He rotated the tires and seems the noise is not noticeable any more.

fndlyfmrflyr

Thanks. Mine is getting close to a tire rotation. Should be interesting to see if the noise in mine goes away (or changes) with tire rotation.

sbcooke

I got my "Acura Style" magazine the other day. It looked a lot like a AAA magazine, but it was somewhat interesting and it wasn't just all Acura PR.

mhenderson1

Has anyone had problems with their storage cover in the back. For some reason when I go over a bump, the cover snaps back. When I look at the groove attachment near the rear door hatch, I am boggled as to how it slodes out of the groove. Can anyone give me any suggestions as how to solve this problem.

hopeitsfriday

I didnt get the cargo cover for my MDX, but had a similar problem in my last SUV. The cargo cover was upside down or flipped around left to right. Although, I think the MDX's cargo cover is keyed so one cannot make that mistake.

mhenderson1

What do you mean that the "cover is keyed"?

hopeitsfriday

Please look at the installation instructions from Hondauraworld. Looks like there is a square key on both side of the rod and the square key is off center. This is to prevent the cargo cover from being installed upside down I believe. Flip it from left to right and try to install the cargo cover again, if it doesn't fit, then you had it right the first time.

engelhaj

I stopped by ny local dealer today to look at the MDX today and was very impressed. However, when I talked to the Salesman he said that they were selling for list and were not making any deals. Has anyone been able to do better than list price ?

clpurnell

If you don't need a 3rd row seat buy an fx35 if you do you are really stuck paying list or maybe talk them down to 500-1k off on a stock unit.

lenij

i just bought my acura mdx last month. i actually called this dealership, Springfield Acura of Rt. 22, on the 30th of dec. and got delivery on jan. 2nd. i didn't make reservations for the vehicle (i put money down on the volvo xc90, but decided to go with acura at the last minute), but i know this dealership has delivery from time to time. so when i called and was told that there are few vehicles available (there are actually 2 in the parking lot) i went there immediately and put money down to hold it. i am very happy with the vehicle. the deal for the Touring Nav package is $2,500 down at $550/month. a little more with options installed (dvd entertainment, spoiler, running boards).

inky4

Regardless of what you hear most of us recently paid MSRP. Exceptions are few and are the result of special dealer relationships, last minute deals due to dropped orders etc. However, I got accessories thrown in at no additional cost and a great trade in. So, I think wiggle room is showing up. Overall, MSRP -$500 is a good deal at this time with current demand. However, the -$500 may be hard to come by at some places.
INKY

inky4

I assume you got the 3.49 Acrua financing which was available through 2 Jan on all Acura models.
INKY

agekotiga

I'm looking to get an MDX Touring in NJ for any amount under MSRP. I'll probably go to Springfield Acura. Want to buy in early March. What are my chances? Is the current wait time still 3 months?

spfotey

you mentioned 3.49% acura financing. i got my acura mdx on dec 21st and wasn't told about that financing. i am most likely going to pay it all off but if i knew that was available i would have gone for it...

however, the dealer has been less than honest in their dealings -- in more ways than one, so perhaps they are keeping the difference...

where do i find out about this financing??

thx.

lenij

in response to your queries on the acura mdx, mine is actually a 48-mo. lease (through honda leasing), but still it's a very good price for a fully-loaded vehicle. you can also try Chase (they have 3.49 - 3.99 financing, depending on your credit record, as well as leasing options). Springfield Acura, though, really knows how to take care of their customers, and they will answer all questions about the car as well as the financing. also, the add-ons they offered are very reasonable.
other dealers in NJ offering the MDX for maybe a shorter waiting period are: Denville Acura on Rt. 10 and Montclair Acura in Bloomfield Ave. Give them a call or search the web. there's another Acura dealership way father west in Bridgewater, NJ on Rt. 22. just ask (by phone or e-mail) if they have any mdx in their lots for immediate delivery, and if you order now how long will take to get delivery (in case they don't have any). i'm pretty sure you will have instant response on your queries.

inky4

Was a holiday promotion that I missed by 6 days.
60 months from Honda. 20 dec- 2 jan sales only as I remember. Dealers did not push since MDX was selling itself and they get less finance commission money.
INKY

sidway

My local Dealership ( Acura of Libertyville, IL )just got some extra MDX's in return for building a new facility. When I was there today they had 7 MDX available at sticker, with no mandatory options.

They just got word they won/earned Acura Precision Team from the Factory for the highest customer satisfaction and they were all doing back flips over it (I think it earns them extra cars).

I dealt directly with the Manager on my MDX on the phone. His name is Eric Leys, Acura of Libertyville, IL...he's a good guy.